Despite a slight tendency to shortchange the first-person views of the principal subject (especially where his life outside of politics is concerned), director Werner Herzog's latest documentary presents a thorough look at the truly remarkable accomplishments of a pragmatic and visionary statesman, one whose work was abruptly stopped short by opportunists who kept him from seeing things all the way through. Some might term this a love letter to the former Soviet leader, but in many ways it also helps to set the record straight on his achievements and how he sadly became a tragic hero. Gorbachev's admonishments for the current geopolitical situation serve as an insightful warning against letting history repeat itself and undoing everything that he did that his predecessors were unable to accomplish. Genuinely moving and inspired viewing.

Despite a slight tendency to shortchange the first-person views of the principal subject (especially where his life outside of politics is concerned), director Werner Herzog's latest documentary presents a thorough look at the truly remarkable accomplishments of a pragmatic and visionary statesman, one whose work was abruptly stopped short by opportunists who kept him from seeing things all the way through. Some might term this a love letter to the former Soviet leader, but in many ways it also helps to set the record straight on his achievements and how he sadly became a tragic hero. Gorbachev's admonishments for the current geopolitical situation serve as an insightful warning against letting history repeat itself and undoing everything that he did that his predecessors were unable to accomplish. Genuinely moving and inspired viewing.

Fascinating portrayal of a Soviet leader. His role in letting the empire collapse, though, is mostly skimmed over. And there's only a hint about NATO's effects on Russia's security and its relations with the West.

Fascinating portrayal of a Soviet leader. His role in letting the empire collapse, though, is mostly skimmed over. And there's only a hint about NATO's effects on Russia's security and its relations with the West.

A documentary about one of the greatest politicians of all time at a troubling time. A must watch for anyone interested in how one man (and his teams and ideas) effectively saved Russia and brilliance behind it.

A documentary about one of the greatest politicians of all time at a troubling time. A must watch for anyone interested in how one man (and his teams and ideas) effectively saved Russia and brilliance behind it.